Coco’s Tea Party beautifully captures the wonder of childhood imagination and family bonding. What inspired you to write this story, and is Coco based on a real child in your life?

My inspiration for this story was from my Coco’s Life Adventures book series, and I wanted to show my character growing up and meeting new friends who look different than Coco, which my Dad recommended to show on my book cover. I also love drinking tea and thought it would be fun for little girls and parents to be inspired to have tea parties of their own.

The tea-making tips and the fun guessing game add an interactive element to the book. How did you decide to include these features, and what do you hope young readers take away from them?

I thought of the tea games to make the tea party engaging and fun for the characters in my book and for the readers to also know the difference between hot and cold tea and have fun drinking tea with family and friends.

The ending, where Coco expresses gratitude to her mom, is particularly touching. Why was it important for you to highlight appreciation and meaningful moments in the story?

I believed this moment was special because it helps parents and children to see how important it is for parents to be creative with their children’s learning, activities, and social skills.

If a young reader were inspired to host their own tea party after reading Coco’s Tea Party, what advice would you give them to make it extra special?

I would recommend that young readers ask their parents to help them with learning about the purpose of drinking tea, how to plan a fun tea party, inviting family and friends, with special bakery treats, games, and gifts, and taking fun photos, to make it memorable for a time of bonding and sharing fun with the ones they love.

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